Prep News - December 2022

Prep News DECEMBER 2022

SPEAKING

VERITAS SINCE 1962

RICHLAND, NEW JERSEY

Hermits Talent Shines at Christmas Art Gallery and Concert

Fine & Performing Arts students entertain community throughout the year.

By Jack Klotz ’27

of nine singers. This year the TestosterTones have performed at the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner, the 2022 Open House, and the staff writer Annual Board of Directors/Austin Society Holiday Dinner. The The magic of music shines bright all year at St. Augustine current TestosterTone members are: Brody Ackermar, Nicholas Preparatory School with Mrs. Newnam and Mr. Stenswold guiding Auer, Matthew Flanigan, Luke Fortucci, Luke Grippo, Jackson the performing arts programs. Music creates a sense of community Kuzma, Lorenzo Lopes, Michael Sherron, and John Terista. When during the holidays. The St. Augustine Preparatory School’s Annual asked about the impact of the music department during high Fine and Performing Arts Christmas Gallery and Concert was held school, John Terista ’23, commented, “During my time at the Prep, Sunday, December 11, 2022, in the Scarpa Study Commons. The the music department has become such a big part of me and has holiday music provided peace and joy with performances by the St. shaped me as who I am today. I have met and befriended so many Augustine Band, St. Augustine Choir, The Testosterones, and the St. amazing people and mentors that have all helped me grow my Cecilia Choir. The music heard during the performance included a passion for Music and the Arts. It has become a big part of who I variety of genres from traditional holiday classics to contemporary am and I am proud to be a member of our Music Department and holiday delights. The holiday music evoked a nostalgic mood as the everything surrounding it.” performers played or sang both traditional and contemporary songs such as Deck the Halls, The First Noel, Carol of the Bells, We Three The St. Cecilia Chorus is a new choir named after the patron saint Kings, and O’ Little Town of Bethlehem to more contemporary of music. Students from St. Augustine and Our Lady of Mercy holiday music such as The Nutcracker Rock and Believe from the Academy make up this co-ed choir. The choir was created in the Polar Express. Mr. Stenswold composed Glory to God and On a winter of 2021.

Cold Winter’s Night for the musical program. The audience also had the opportunity to stroll through The Prep’s art and photography The St. Augustine Pep Band lifts the spirits of the Richland Rowdies gallery prior to the concert. and all spectators in attendance, playing at each home football game. The band includes drums, guitars, bass guitars, trumpets, The Testostertones are an audition-only acapella group composed clarinets, a trombone, saxophones, a euphonium, and a keyboard.

The St. Augustine Sax Quartet is a small saxophone ensemble with keyboard accompaniment that performs at various school events.

The Sax Quartet evolved last year from band class. The Sax Quartet has been featured at the Run for the Roses 2021, Open House 2022, and the annual Christmas and Spring Concerts. The Sax Quartet is composed of two alto saxophones, Aiden Andre and Ian Paradella, with Anthony Tramp playing the tenor saxophone, and Jose Hernandez jamming on the baritone saxophone.

The St. Augustine Band is composed of students in grades 8 through 12 who perform at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. The Concert Band is a larger ensemble than the Pep Band with more instruments playing a variety of musical genres. Connor Bogan ’24 was asked about his band experience at The Prep. Connor Bogan stated, “I would say that it’s opened me up to learning more instruments. The experiences have increased my enjoyment for playing instruments in general and I appreciate music much more now.”

Mamma Mia is this year’s annual musical, performed with St. Augustine Prep and Our Lady of Mercy Academy on February 9, 10, and 11.

Third Semester: Ready For Takeoff Richard Russell ’26

Then you fly to the islands Baltra and Santa staff writer Cruz to view nature and go on tours. Then you will travel to multiple other islands for activities.

There will be a wide variety of third You will then return to Quito and depart for semester courses this year; from local courses to home. domestic courses, and even the Global courses.

There will be more information on the rest The last international course we know of is the of the courses on the Prep’s website available Ireland course. First you will take an overnight at a later date, and emails will be sent for the flight to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Once registration process when the time comes. For there you will be going on tours around the now here is information on some of the global city and visiting St. Patrick’s cathedral and the courses available…

Book of Kells. Then you will travel to Galway, to observe nature. You’ll travel to Kilarney to visit One of the courses available is Costa Rica and the Bog Museum and Blarney Castle. After that Panama. First you will fly to Costa Rica and you will be traveling to Cork, Ireland to take observe some of the nature that they have to a tour and visit the Queenstown experience. offer. Then you travel to Guanacaste to visit hot The last part of the trip will include a visit to springs and the rainforest. After that you will Kilkenny and Kildare to see the national horse fly to Panama city, the capital of Panama. There farm in Ireland. Finally you return to Dublin will be a variety of activities to choose from; and depart for home. boat rides, tours around the city, and a tour of the famous Panama Canal. Then you will finally These are just some of the global trips available depart for home. and more information on the global, domestic, and local trips will be released at a later date.

Another one of the trips available is the Galapagos Islands. First you will fly to Ecuador To learn more about Third Semester, and tour around the capital of Ecuador Quito. visit hermits.com/thirdsemester

IN THIS EDITION

The 2022-23 Third Semester took off in late November as the Hermit Brotherhood traveled to Italy.

MOVIE REVIEW: BULLET TRAIN

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MR. RENZULLI

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PREP NEWS

HermitFest kicks off another memorable school year

Anthony Tramp ’25 staff writer

HermitFest is an annual event enjoyed by all on campus when you are here at St. Augustine. It’s the one day of the year when everyone comes together, regardless of class, and gets to express the Augustinian values.

From dress-down passes to bouncy houses, it’s a fun experience for all involved.

The day begins with a free dress-down day for everyone that paid the 20 dollars for a shirt and for other excitement throughout the day. With morale boosted the students continued with their regular day, with Chick Fil A being provided for lunch to excite the students even more.

As the day came to a close, the students headed to La Rosa field to support our hermit brothers in their soccer game against Vineland. At around the halfway point, the game was tied 1 to 1. Most people had left the game to see the excitement on campus and eat some good food that was being provided. Those that stayed at the game, witnessed a wonderful match with the undefeated hermits winning the game 5 to 3.

DECEMBER 2022

The Freshman Experience: John Perrotta ’26

As we enter a new academic year, a new class of freshmen has arrived. Acclimating to a new school takes time to adjust, so a month into school we can gauge how we are doing so far. When Richard Russell was asked what made his adjustment easier he said, “The friends I have made and free time have helped me adjust easier.” When asked about his favorite experience he continued, “My favorite experience was definitely HermitFest. I was hanging out with my friends a lot over the course of the day and watching the game.”

HermitFest was a fantastic experience for all students, but especially for the freshmen as it allowed them to socialize with everyone in a non-academic context. When Giovanni Catania was asked how he was adjusting to becoming a freshman he replied, “I am adjusting nicely thanks to upperclassmen in the school,” He finds that the support of his older peers makes the adjustment easier, especially considering they have more experience. When Giovanni was asked about his most challenging adjustment he responded, “The dress code; especially the winter uniform, had to be the most difficult part.” Going from dressing casually every day to dressing up can be challenging, especially in terms of comfort. Jake Lenhardt says, “I look forward to all of the cool and unique opportunities I will have in the future like sports, and having fun with friends.” It is apparent that the freshmen are adjusting well to high school life at St. Augustine Prep, and are already making lasting memories with their Hermit brothers.

The fun continued as the focus shifted to the campus which had changed into a forum for the 600-plus student body to get to know each other and hang out.

The girls from OLMA had showed up, leaving some guys to try their wittiest remarks, with some success.

For some real fun, the guys headed over to the bouncy houses to jump around and compete against each other for some healthy competition. If you started to feel hungry, there was a plentiful spread of burgers and chicken tenders next to a tub of Arizona ice teas.

After interacting with each other for a couple of hours, the spirit team leaders gathered everyone in for the hermit’s huddle. After getting hyped, the Rowdie Rush commenced with everyone sprinting towards LaRosa field. The game would get going with the National Anthem setting the atmosphere as it was played with two electric guitars. The pep band hyped everyone up as the game between Holy Spirit and the Hermits kicked off. At the half, the Prep was only down 7-0 and the second half saw the Hermits fall behind for good by a score of 28-0. We can’t always be winners but we can look at the successes, like the lifelong friendships that were formed during the entire day.

Is Bullet Train a Must See? We review the David Letich directed film.

By Javier Arceo ’25 staff writer

The summer blockbuster “Bullet Train” directed by David Letich stars Brad Pitt as a morally hapless assassin has landed on Netflix.

Pitt and an assorted number of other assassins try to outwit each other in order to each get their hands on a special briefcase. I love the fact that each character has a unique trait and doesn’t feel the same to the cliche action hero trope. This movie is the perfect blend of both comedy and action, from hilarious one-liners to awesome and creative fight scenes. The close and compact setting of the train is a great choice for the audience to connect to the characters. This movie has a very similar energy to classic 80s movies like Die Hard and Rambo. Brad Pitt was a perfect choice for the role, being both a capable fighter and also having excellent comic timing. If you’re into both action movies and hilarious dialogue, you don’t want to miss this movie.

Total score: 9/10 - A must see

THE PREP SCOREBOARD

By Jack Klotz ’27 & Kevin Cole ’24 staff writer

The fall sports season for St. Augustine Prep was a thrilling one.

The Hermits Varsity Football team’s season ended with a record of 6-5. The football team’s first win occurred at home against St. Joseph’s High School (Hammonton), winning by a margin of 30 to 10. On 9/30/22 the football team won against Shawnee with a score of 38-14. The football team’s last game of the regular season was played on 10/21/22 at home against Lenape with a 17-0 win. Prep Varsity Football began another playoff run with a convincing win against St. John Vianney but fell to nationally-ranked Don Bosco Prep in the quarterfinal round.

Hermits Soccer celebrates the program’s first Cape-Atlantic League Tournament Championship.

The Hermits Varsity Soccer team ended the year with an outstanding record of 11-7-3. On the day of Hermitfest, accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd of Richland Rowdies, the soccer team won against Vineland High School 5-3.

They would cap off the season by winning the CAL Championship with a win against Hammonton.

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PREP NEWS

DECEMBER 2022

To Decorate or Not to Decorate? When does Christmas Begin?

Tackling the age old debate of when we should break out the Christmas decorations. start after Thanksgiving argue that it staff writer is important to focus on Thanksgiving and give it the attention it deserves.

The debate over when Christmas Thanksgiving is a holiday that is preparations should start has been meant to be spent with family and a contentious one, with some people friends, reflecting on all that we arguing that they should begin before are grateful for. Starting Christmas Thanksgiving, while others believe preparations before Thanksgiving, they should start after the holiday. they argue, takes away from the spirit of gratitude that is at the heart of the Proponents of starting Christmas holiday. preparations before Thanksgiving argue that there is simply not enough In conclusion, the debate over when time between Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations should start is Christmas to get everything done. a complex one, with valid arguments With the busy holiday season upon on both sides. While some people us, they argue, it is necessary to start believe that starting preparations preparing early in order to avoid before Thanksgiving is necessary in feeling rushed and stressed. Starting order to avoid feeling rushed, others Christmas preparations before argue that it is important to focus on Thanksgiving also allows people to Thanksgiving and give it the attention enjoy the holiday season at a more it deserves. Ultimately, the decision of leisurely pace, rather than feeling when to start Christmas preparations overwhelmed by the last-minute rush is a personal one and depends on an to get everything done. individual’s priorities and preferences.

By John Perrotta ’26

On the other hand, those who believe that Christmas preparations should

Carmine and Dana Catalana ’76 P’07 Receive Mendel Award A powerful story about servant leadership rooted in unconditional love.

By Luke Grippo ’24 editor-in-chief

Mr. Catalana’s father, Carmine III, was a past Gregor Mendel award they received the award and what they’ve been up to since. The Prep recipient.

News had the pleasure of being able to talk with two of the former Gregor Mendel award recipients, Mrs. Rose Davis H’19 and Senator Over 40 years ago, two loving souls found their way towards each Mrs. Dana Catalana graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Academy William L. Gormley ’64. The ambiance of the evening, highlighted other while riding the bus to school. For 40 years, these two served in 1978, and her brother, Howard Kazan, is a Prep graduate of by the chatter of these prestigious alumni, served as a great their community with nothing but the utmost devotion and care.

1979. She graduated from Stonehill College in Massachusetts and backdrop to our conversation with Senator Gormley. He was funny And now, over 40 years later, they remain happily dedicated to St. received her Masters degree in Social Work from the University and witty, smooth and endearing. He recalled the night he got the Augustine Prep, their community, and each other. of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Catalana would go on to serve on the Board award with joy and humor, and went on to tell us about many of the of Directors for both St. Augustine Prep and Our Lady of Mercy great advancements he sees from the Prep in the future, including Mr. and Mrs. Carmine and Dana Catalana were the recipients of Academy where her unwavering commitment to both schools a resurgence of the Crew program. Mrs. Davis, the beloved this year’s Gregor Mendel Award, an award bestowed onto shining allowed them to thrive in enrollment, innovation and development, recipient of the 2019 Gregor Mendel award - whose resounding figures of the St. Augustine Prep Community. I had the pleasure and economic prosperity. In addition, as a member of the board of dedication to the boys brought a tear to the Prep News’ team’s eyes of being able to talk to them right after they got their award. When Spirit and Truth Ministries, she has helped feed hundreds of people - recalled the night she received the award. Mrs. Davis emphasized Mrs. Catalana walked over to her husband and interrupted his at the Vineland Soup Kitchen as she tirelessly worked to improve numerous times that the boys at the Prep are the reason why she conversation with someone, I saw the genuine love that they had the lives of those in need in our local community. got involved with the school. She called the students “the best” for each other in the readiness on his face when she asked him to and resounded within us the fraternal patriotism that comes come over so the two of them could talk with me. This is when I One of the Catalana’s most notable contributions to the Prep is the only from the Brotherhood at the Prep. “The country needs you,” realized how much their love, and the care and concern of so many KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS program, which strives to provide more she emphasized. The country needs us. That is what’s so special more people, has resonated through the Prep and the surrounding students the opportunity to attend the Prep and experience the about this award. For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of community.

Brotherhood. attending the Gregor Mendel dinner, and I’ve talked to a number of the recipients. From a Hermit Brother’s perspective, what I find so They’re rooted in a rich history at St. Augustine Prep. Mr. The Gregor Mendel Dinner was a beautiful night at St. Augustine special about this award is that it doesn’t just honor someone who Catalana was a graduate from the Prep in 1976, where he excelled Prep. Welcomed by some of the Prep’s finest students, this year’s dedicated their time and money to the Prep. It honors those who academically and would go on to graduate from Merrimack College attendees were led into the Rodio Gym, where they reunited with have felt the Brotherhood, those who have seen and believe in what with a business degree. He would take over his father’s company, old and new friends alike. The subtle elegance of the night, with St. Augustine profoundly called one of the greatest gifts that God Cumberland Dairy, where he has worked for 42 years. In 1995, he the casualness that comes with being around your friends, set a has given us: friendship. Augustine believed that friendship was a became the president of the company, a position he serves with lively and pristine mood in Rodio Gym. Iconic business teacher and divine gift from God. Tonight, we honored two people who found in diligence and clarity. Under his leadership, the company has formed Crew Head Coach Mr. D’amico helped present the Catalanas with each other a best friend, and this friendship enabled them to serve powerful relations with McDonald’s, Wawa, and Rita’s Water Ice. the Mendel Award, as their son had once been an active member of the community and each other, with the greatest virtue known to Continuing in his father’s footsteps, Mr. Catalana served seven crew, rowing in the City Championship-winning Varsity 8 in 2005. mankind: love. So, as we head into the Christmas season, let us years on the Board of the Ronald McDonald House before becoming Mr. D’amico also presented the Catalanas with two oars, one of remember the love and brotherhood that connects all of us here at an active member of the Advisory Board at the Prep for Innovation which their son had actually rowed with in his City Championship the Prep, whether that be the students, faculty, alumni, or family. and Experiential Learning. The generous donations from his family win. have allowed the business program to grow and develop. Catalana’s Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Catalana. Thank you for everything three brothers, Frank Catalana ’78 P’14 ‘17, Michael Catalana ’81, Following an entertaining performance of “I Want it that Way” by you do and Merry Christmas from the Prep News team. and David Catalana ’82 P’13, were all graduates from the Prep, and the award-winning Testostertones and delicious ice cream sundaes Frank and David’s children would go on to graduate in 2013, 2014, from the Catalanas’ Cumberland Dairy company, Mr. Nick Catalana and 2017. Carmine’s sister, Maria Iaconelli, is not only the wife of beamed in front of the crowd as he introduced the award to his beloved Prep teacher Mr. Tony Iaconelli, but she is also an OLMA parents. graduate of 1984 and a parent of both a Prep and OLMA graduate.

At the very foundation of their extensive St. Augustine Prep history, Past Gregor Mendel award recipients reminisced about the nights

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PREP NEWS

DECEMBER 2022

THROUGH THE LENS OF THE BROTHERHOOD We spotlight some of the most creatively gifted students in all of Richland – our student photographers. The work of Mrs. Davis’ photography class was recently spotlighted in a gallery held prior to this year’s Christmas Concert. Students grabbed their cameras and sought to capture some of their very best work for a recent family heritage project. They were also given the option to spotlight their home away from home, the campus of St. Augustine Prep

ZACHARY AUER ’25

LUKE FIELD ’23 PATRICK MILLIKEN ’24

6

LUKE JOHNSON ’24

JOHN COBB ’25

3

ANGEL COLLAZO ’23

KADEN NAAME ’23

C.J. MATTHEWS ’25 ROBERT SCIMECA ’23

JACK LAMBORNE ’24

BRENDEN MCGRATH ’23

LOGAN WHITEHURST ’25

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PREP NEWS

DECEMBER 2022

Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A. Named Eighth Grade Director Augustinian continues the momentum of the Prep’s 8th-Grade Initiative

We sat down with Father Curry to ask him some questions: Q. What has been your favorite part of being the 8th Grade Director?

A: I worked with Middle School students for 10 years at other Augustinian schools. It has always been one of my favorite ages because it reminds me of my own upbringing. As the youngest of 14 children, many people helped me when I was an 8th grader, and now it is my turn to provide the same support to other 8th graders.

By Tyler Gerst ’24 staff writer

This school year, Fr. Stephen Curry became the 8th Grade Director.

Just a month into his new position and the school year, he has had a fantastic time. His transition into the new position was great. It allowed him to work with more constituents than he has had in the past. Now, Fr. Curry is seeing new facets of the Prep. So far, his favorite part of being the 8th Grade Director is that when he sees the 8th graders, it reminds him of his own upbringing. Being the youngest of 14 children , many people helped him when he was in 8th grade; and he sees this as an opportunity to provide the same support. Building on this year, his goal for the future of the 8th-grade program is to make new ventures by creating a Student Leadership team, peer intervention, campus clean-up services, and a mini Third Semester. He is also working on establishing new sports programs for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year, alongside Mr. Iaconelli.

Q: How has the transition into the new position been?

A: The transition has been great. It allows me to work with more constituents than I have in the past. I’m seeing new facets of St. Augustine Prep.

Q: Do you have any ideas for the future for the 8th graders, whether it is the Class of 2027 or the Classes in the future?

A: My vision is to build upon the foundation Mr. Iaconelli started with last year’s inaugural 8th-grade class. New ventures that are taking place this year are creating a Student Leadership team, peer intervention, campus clean-up, and a mini Third Semester. Also, we are working on establishing new sports programs for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year.

Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Renzulli

By Matt Adams ’23 staff writer

Q: What subjects do you teach?

A: World Religions and Philosophy Q: Who is your favorite author at this moment?

A: Cormac McCarthy. I am reading Suttree and I appreciate the language in the book. I relate with the character a great deal as well.

Q: Many of us know that you enjoy philosophy of all kinds. Who is your favorite philosopher and why?

A: I like Aristotle simply because of how he has shaped the way we look at the world around us and how we process it.

Q: You coach many students in Crew. How did you begin Crew as a kid?

A: I began rowing in seventh grade after signing up for the program. Mr. Connell was my coach and since then, I have spent each spring on the water.

Q: As we see many manifestations of the Buddha around the room, what is the aspect of Buddhism that draws you towards the faith?

A: The concept of immediate peace with oneself and remaining calm amid suffering attracted me to learn more about the faith. It is a simple yet effective practice that anyone can work towards.

Q: As us students come closer towards graduation and future challenges, what is the best religious or spiritual advice you can give us?

A: The best for you is what God wants for you, and you can approach such truth by not overthinking it and taking a more personal approach that values well-being.

From the Desk of the Editors-In-Chief Connor Bogan ’24 and Luke Grippo ’24 We are so excited to bring you the latest edition of Prep News. Christmas is a time to be grateful, a time to give and a time to embrace those who enrich our lives. We are thankful for a lot of things, most especially our school community and our excellent staff that worked diligently to put together the first Prep News edition of the school year. We would like to personally thank them and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas season.

••• Work for South Jersey’s #1 Student-Produced Newspaper! For 60 years, the esteemed Prep News staff has produced high-quality newspapers covering topics ranging from school events to important world events. We are proud to continue the long tradition of Prep News by improving our skills in the spirit of continuing the tradition of “Speaking VERITAS since 1962” .

Connor Bogan ’24

Located on the first floor of the Vincent L. Buondonno Center (known as ‘The Vincent’), The Prep News office constantly buzzes with reporters typing stories, business staff selling advertisements, photographers editing shots and editors providing guidance and banter. As South Jersey’s #1 StudentProduced Newspaper (founded in 1962), we have undergone several changes over the past 60 years, and we continue to iterate upon and improve our practices every day. Our goal is to produce regular issues and provide staff members with journalism experience and the ability to improve in the art of writing. Writing for Prep News also allows our staff to have their work read by family and friends. The creative aspect of our club is another aspect we take great pride in. Most school newspapers only write about school events, but we take it one step further, incorporating movie reviews, opinion pieces, and even real-world events to give the newspaper depth. With just under two dozen Hermits on staff, Prep News is one of the fastest growing clubs on campus.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a learning environment as many members of our staff are navigating their way through their first experience in journalism. In the process, they are working to continue developing real-world skills in communication, management, digital media, editing, and so much more.

Whether you have an interest in copywriting, photography, or graphic design – Prep News has a place for you.

Contact bogan.connor@hermits.org or grippo.luke@hermits.org to join the staff today!

Prep News Connor Bogan ’24

Luke Grippo ’24

editor-in-chief

editor-in-chief

Matthew Adams ’23 Javier Arceo ’26 Matthew Flanigan ’24 Tyler Gerst ’24 Eric Gerst ’26 Lorenzo Lopes ’24

Jack Klotz ’27 JT Matusiak ’24 Richard Russell ’26 John Perrotta ’26 Anthony Santora ’24 Anthony Tramp ’24

Mrs. Karrie Davis P’22 ’23 ’26 photgraphy

Manny Dijamco ’99 publisher

Thomas Hewitt faculty moderator • copy editor

SUBMISSIONS: We welcome letters and guest columns. All submissions must include the author’s name and affiliation with St. Augustine Prep, and should not exceed 250 words for letters or 700 words for columns. Prep News reserves the right to edit all material before publication. All material submitted becomes property of St. Augustine Prep.

Please email submissions to communications@hermits.com.

SPEAKING

VERITAS SINCE 1962